5 ways to have the Pinterest-perfect holiday of your dreams and win a gift certificate

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Who doesn’t want to live in a Pinterest-perfect world?

Pinecone and succulent art? Native-plant wreaths? Handmade centerpieces? Yes please! The too-cute DIY holiday décor that are exploding all over your Pinterest pages can be yours this season. Here’s what you need to get into the festive spirit.

1) Learn from the best

While you may have an idea of what you want to make, can you execute it? We’ve all seen some hilarious Pinterest fails — avoid becoming one by watching the experts. Master Gardener Paula Spletter is like a holiday wizard who weaves twigs and twine into festive magic. She’ll be offering live demonstrations of how she makes some of her favorite seasonal displays for the holidays at North Haven Gardens. It’s a chance to ask questions, gather supplies and get your project off on the right foot.

See some of her favorite seasonal projects here, or watch Spletter in action from 9-10:30 a.m. or from 1-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday Nov. 22; Friday, Nov. 25; Tuesday, Nov. 29; and Friday, Dec. 2.

Learning to make wreaths.

2) Find inspiration

You may look in your yard and see a lot of twigs and leaves you need to rake, but others only see potential. The holiday elves at North Haven Gardens will teach you what you need to get crafty this holiday season, often using items you can find in your own backyard. Get hands-on with the Holiday Wreath Building Workshops With Wine on Sunday Dec. 4 from 2-4:30 p.m.; or Saturday, Dec. 10, from 3-5:30 p.m. Or learn to make those trendy air-plants during the Terrarium Ornaments Workshop with Wine on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 3-4 p.m. You can find more ideas on the garden’s own Pinterest page.

One of many unique items to be found at the Holiday Art and Gift Market.

3) Get out of dodge

If you’ve had nightmares that prominently feature glue guns and glitter, and the thought of DIY makes you want to go MIA, relax. You can still get the homemade holiday look without actually making it yourself. Many of Spletter’s handmade creations such as seasonal terrariums and handmade wreaths will be available for purchase. Or, on Dec. 3, head over to the Holiday Art and Gift Market from 4-8 p.m., where over 20 artisans will be selling gifts and décor. Bonus points: you get to sample holiday cocktails and bites from The Café at North Haven Gardens while you shop.

Burton Blue Noble Firs

4) Procure the perfect tree

You know why the Christmas trees on Pinterest always look so perfect? It all comes down to branch spacing so your ornaments can be well displayed. Noble firs are what you want, the style that professional decorators swear by. North Haven Gardens kicks it up a notch by offering the rare Burton Blue Noble Firs all the way from Washington State, where they’re individually grafted as seedlings to capture that rare and gorgeous shade of blue-green.

5) Celebrate your success

Once the tree has been decorated and the handmade (or bought) wreaths are hung with care, be sure to take a minute to celebrate your success. Grab a glass of wine and a cheese board at The Café at North Haven Gardens and upload photos of your creations to Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook, tagging North Haven Gardens to spread the holiday cheer. Take part in the Best Holiday Home Décor contest by uploading your holiday creations to Instagram and tag @northhavengardens. The winner will take home a $25 gift certificate for their next Pinterest-perfect project.